The Port of Bilbao, Spain, has brought its 2023 cruise season to a close, marking the culmination of 80 calls and ~150,000 passengers throughout the year.
Fred Olsen Cruise Lines’ Bolette made the final call on November 16, with a total of 13 ships making maiden calls during the season.
While the majority of tourists were transit passengers from the UK (41%), North America (27%), and Germany (13%), the port has effectively facilitated turnaround/embarkation cruises for Oceania, NCL-Norwegian and MSC.
A notable instance of this support occurred in early November when Fred Olsen Balmoral ship arrived on short notice and stayed for three days. The port, in collaboration with local tourism authorities, organized a range of experiences during the visit. These activities included visits to local exhibitions and the provision of extra free shuttle buses to landmarks such as the Hanging Bridge UNESCO heritage site and Bilbao’s Old Quarter. The efforts garnered praise from both the ship's captain and Kai Algar, the marine & port planning manager at FOCL.
Reflecting on historical data, the Port of Bilbao received 50 calls in 2019, experienced a suspension of cruises in 2020 due to the crisis, saw 14 calls in 2021, and recorded 78 calls in 2022.
Looking toward the future, the Port Authority has introduced the BilbOPS project, aiming to implement shore power technology in various docks/berths, including those designated for cruise ships. Set to become operational in the beginning of 2026, this initiative is designed to enhance service delivery and contribute to environmental sustainability.